We Would Like Abia to be Nigeria’s Power Hub", Nnaji Tells International Electricity Consultants

Abia State stands a good chance of becoming Nigeria’s electricity hub, according to Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji.

Nnaji, now the chairman of the Geometric Power group which generates and distributes electricity in the Aba Ring-fenced Area that covers nine of the 17 local government areas (LGAs) in Abia State, was speaking today when a team of international electricity consultants visited the group in its head office at the Osisioma Industrial Layout in Aba.

“There are two major power plants about to be built in the Aba Ringfence”, Nnaji told the team which was led to his office by the Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engineer Ikechukwu Monday, and the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Energy, Engr Kachi Etolue.

“One of the power plants is a joint venture between General Electric of the United States, the biggest and oldest power equipment-manufacturing firm in the world, and Geometric Power.

“Located in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State, the power utility, which will generate 1,080 megawatts, is the first joint venture GE has ever signed with a local company.

‘It would have gone far if not for the Federal Government’s suspension over five years ago of the World Bank partial risk guarantee (PRG) of the power purchase agreements (PPAs)”.

The visiting international team of consultants included Nico Peterschmidt of INENUS, Dipta Majumdar, also of INENUS, and Rajesh Kumar Jain of International Solar Alliance comprising over 100 countries, including Nigeria, that signed an agreement for the development and use of solar energy.

The group is working in Nigeria currently on the invitation of the Nigerian government to help in providing mini solar grids to areas in the country underserved and unserved with electricity, explained Peterschimidt.

Peterschmidt disclosed that the World Bank has provided the Federal Government with a $ 410 million loan to make available to subnational entities for the solar grids, with Abia angling to be among the first states to access it.

“We are going to work closely with the government”, pledged Nnaji, “to ensure that Abia realises its ambitious electricity plans, including participating actively in the creation of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

“Governor Otti has been of immense assistance to Geometric Power for decades”.

Commending Prof Nnaji’s favourable disposition towards the new Abia State’s electricity initiatives, unlike in some states where the DisCos with power franchises there opposed similar moves, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, who is a former General Electric executive, observed: “The facility fits into the vision of sending a bill to the Abia State House of Assembly setting up the state Electricity Regulatory Commission.

“There are far-flung communities in Nigeria where electricity distribution companies hesitate to give power because of their difficult terrains and even when provided with electricity, the people wouldn’t be able to pay the commercial rates.

“As a key stakeholder, the state government felt that the new electricity arrangement for Abia can’t progress without Geometric Power’s involvement, hence our visit today.

“Besides, some of the areas without electricity fall into the Aba Ringfence serviced by Geometric Power which took over the responsibility of providing the areas with electricity only two years ago”.

Ugo Opiegbe, the Aba Power managing director, enumerated some of the key investments his firm has made, including providing five brand new substations and refurbishing three legacy ones, installing 150,000 kilometres of overhead wires, and a network expansion that will see a new feeder commissioned within one month.

“We are ahead of the other 11 DisCos in Nigeria in several areas like having bilateral agreements with Gencos, despite meeting only five per cent of customers metered when we took over, a problem we have been addressing aggressively as the population of metered customers is now about 30%”, he asserted.

“We officially inherited about 131,000 customers, but that number has climbed significantly and will likely double by the time we meter all our customers and complete our enumeration activities, including bringing back key industrialists who voluntarily disconnected from the public network on account of unreliable and poor supplies”.

The international consultants and the Abia State government officials expressed satisfaction with Geometric Power’s “forward-looking approach and immense investments worth at least $800m in the Aba Ringfence, making it the largest investment in the Southeast”.

Hunters Rescue More Kidnap Victims In Anambra


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


Barely three weeks to the rescue of two siblings from kidnappers and recovery of stolen vehicles around Nkwelle-Ezunaka axis of Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has rescued another kidnap victim along Nri-Enugwu-Ukwu road between Anaocha and Njikoka Local Government Areas of the state.

Disclosing the rescue operation to our correspondent, Southeast Zonal Commander of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) ACG Mark Okemefuna Okonkwo, said hunters received a distress call at 20:00 hours on Sunday 8th September from a passer-by of some people forcing someone into a vehicle along the aforementioned route.

Okonkwo said he immediately mobilized his men for rescue mission and they followed the direction from the Intel. On seeing them approaching, the hoodlums began to shoot sporadically to stop them but they gallantly surged on and the hoodlums swiftly sped off throwing their captive away from the vehicle.

Okonkwo said that their rapid response to the situation yielded positive results as they were able to rescue a woman who was thrown out from the kidnappers' speeding vehicle. That they equally recovered a stolen vehicle at the scene.

Also in another development, ACG Mark Okemefuna Okonkwo disclosed that they recovered another vehicle stolen at gunpoint along Neni-Nimo road border between Anaocha and Njikoka council areas on 25th August this year.

He said phone numbers in the documents found inside the vehicle helped to locate the owner of the vehicle who came and identified it as his car that was stolen from him at gunpoint on the ill-fated day along Neni-Nimo road.

He also stated that the recovered vehicle and the rescued kidnapped victim have been handed over to Neni police station for further actions.

Meanwhile the man whose stolen car was recovered by the operatives of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS), confirmed that the NHFSS recovered his stolen property.

The 61 year old man who identified himself as Mr. Christian Ozonyiama, a native of Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State but resides at Nnewi, narrated his ordeal, saying that he was going to Nnewi from Awka around 8pm on Sunday 25th August, 2024 when some armed men disguised as vigilante operatives flagged his vehicle and another down along Neni-Nimo road.

Mr. Ozonyiama who said he initially mistook them for vigilantes as they blocked the road to search the missionary bus before him and freed it, maintained that thereafter they came to his car pointing their touch lights inside it.

He said it was when they bundled him out of his car and ordered him to sit on the ground that it dawned on him that they were not vigilante operatives but kidnappers.

Ozonyiama narrated that as he sat on the ground, one of the kidnappers brought his phones from the car and gave him, saying that they won't harm him but they will need his car for an operation.

Hence they abandoned him on the deadly lonely Neni-Nimo road that fateful night and zoomed off with his Honda SUV car.

Ozonyiama who stated that he reported the incident to Nimo police station on Monday 26th August 2024, said he was however thankful to God and the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) when he got a call from them that his stolen vehicle was found at Onu Ngege river boundary between Nri and Enugwu-Ukwu.

The NHFSS Southeast Zonal Commander therefore extolled the efforts of the Commander-General CG Amb. Dr. Joshua Osatimehin for his leadership of the service, stressing that the Commander-General has ensured discipline, diligence, gallantry and rapid response to rescue missions across Nigeria.



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The unraveling of Soludo

Bright Ezimorah

The ex-Biafran leader and Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, was once asked his opinion on the presumed brilliant performance of late General Murtala Mohammed as Nigeria’s Head of State. He chuckled a reply – “Time saved Murtala”. The reporter, surprised at his response, asked for clarification. Ojukwu told him he taught Murtala military tactics in Teshie, Ghana and knew him better than his uncritical enthusiasts.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo is not as lucky. Like ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, whose emergence removed all doubts about his famed statecraft, Soludo’s election as Governor of Anambra State shreds the myth of his economic wizardry and urbane disposition. He would have been pontificating in the media on how he would have turned the fortunes of Anambra State around had he lost the election. But his victory has exposed the soft underbelly of his government and laid bare his highfalutin ideas that are inconsistent with governance, especially of a state as dynamic as Anambra. Without sounding immodest, everybody, including this writer, who presumed on his ability to deliver, was disappointed by Soludo’s unmitigated failures.

It is sad how the Governor has fared – how he has yet to fulfil any of the promises he made on the stump. From insecurity through high taxation and poor quality infrastructure to micromanagement of government businesses, nothing has improved to suggest any hope of improvement. What defines the Soludo administration is a reign of triumphalism that shuts him from reality. There is little doubt that the state is going through a difficult patch under his watch and needs a lot of effort to break free from the stranglehold. The administration carries on with an omniscient mentality, scoffs at advice and pays no heed to consultation. Maybe only the mentally weak and a tiny clique of the politically imprudent would not be bothered by the declining fortunes of the state. It needs no crystal bulb to see that the people's hope has been dashed through the governor's unbridled ego and unconcealed pettiness.

Writing about this pettiness of Soludo in the Vanguard newspaper of January 20, 2024, Ugo Egbujo opined thus: “Soludo’s fixation with small things might signal frustration. When a man has no big projects, he quarrels with his wife over bathroom slippers.” Soludo has quarrelled with almost everybody in the state, including those who sponsored his election. He tramples on imagined and real enemies. The list of those who have gone through his jackboot, especially the hapless citizens of the state who depend on daily toil for their survival, is endless. “When Soludo leaves office, he might discover he wasted time pursuing shadows. At a time he needed to weave social cohesion and focus state energy on the vampires terrorising the state, he couldn’t even play elementary politics”.

A few weeks ago, Soludo went viral for dancing Gwo gwo gwo ngwo, the popular song by the great minstrel Mike Ejeagha. It should not have mattered what music he danced to and how he did it. But like the infamous Emperor Nero of Rome, who “fiddled while Rome burned”, Soludo was dancing while kidnappers ran riot in the state. On the day of this indulgence, kidnappers carted off three hapless victims at the Aroma intersection, a few meters away from the seat of Government and the Jerome Udoji Secretariat. Soludo did not whimper protest and offered no hope to the forlorn citizens. He was busy dancing not because he was fond, but because he was merely gloating over the successful sealing of political offices of his rivals. Though the sealing was no news in the state as Soludo’s motley army of tax collectors always descend on citizens and unleash all manner of mayhem on them. Many have had their shins broken in the process. Others have had their skulls cracked. Yet a lot more have had their limbs shattered by pestle-wielding Soludo boys.

Soludo has yet to condemn the act. He carries on with a particular disdain for ndi Anambra, which leaves many wondering if his government is a blight on the state. The fact that he refuses to deploy half the energy he dissipates enforcing tax to crime-fighting makes the thinking that his government is an affliction believable. It is common knowledge in Anambra that people no longer organise ceremonies in the state because of insecurity, even for events considered too essential to be conducted outside the state. Soludo’s Anambra has become a breeding ground for insecurity with its twin disadvantage of divestment. Many have questioned the use of the Governor's princely security vote, which he collects, while others think he is responsible for the failed security situation.

It may be necessary to state that security in Anambra was not on the nadir when Soludo became governor. However, everything started going south shortly after he assumed office. He committed the first faux pas by decreeing security without working out the details. He pronounced the Monday-sit-at-home order illegal. Just before he was done with the pronouncement, the state began to witness samples of violence never seen before. The little peace was lost through the Governor’s one moment of loquacious indiscretion. He immediately ran to Kuje prison to confer with Nnamdi Kanu for possible mitigation of the blunder. But the mistake has been made. He acts before he thinks. A few days ago, he announced the sacking of the Managing Director of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) only to come back and tell ndi Anambra that he was redeployed to nowhere.

It can be safely said that the Soludo administration is all-knowing and does not consult anybody. It sets the cart before the horse and leads the state on a bumpy ride to nowhere. Soludo behaves like an all-conquering emperor whose caprices must be accommodated by the people. He talks and acts at will and does not run any ideas up the flagpole for input. It is not clear how he hopes to wriggle free of the people’s anger, which he has incurred.

Bright Ezimorah
Writes britemora@gmail.com

Umuode Women in Enugu State End August Meeting With Skills Acquisition Centre.



The women of the Umuode community in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Saturday concluded their 2024 Annual August Meeting with the commissioning of a skills acquisition centre for the empowerment of both men and women in the community, including non-indigenes.

The August Meeting is an annual general meeting of Igbo women by birth or marriage in their various communities, held in August each year to discuss issues, development projects, and to chart the way forward for themselves, their families, and their communities.

“Today is a red-letter day in our community”, declared Mrs. Agatha Nnaji, the executive director and founder of the Dewdrop Foundation which co-sponsored the construction of the Skills Acquisition Centre building for the community and has recently equipped it for their community empowerment programme after several years of being unutilized.

According to Engr. Francis Okoh, the technology courses being offered at the skills acquisition Centre "are comprehensive and state-of-the-art. They include software development, UI/UX design, animation, game development, data science, generative artificial intelligence, and machine learning”.

While speaking at the official opening and handover of the Centre’s operation and management to Dewdrop Foundation, Mrs Nnaji declared that “the youth in Umuode and neighboring communities can now have easy access to fundamental training in Information Technology, Catering and Hospitality Services, Events Management, Caregiving, and Fashion Design which are being promoted by the Dewdrop Foundation through its TVET sister organization, Dewdrop Institute.

She continued: "Inclusive development is at the heart of our vision.

“We recognize that people in rural communities do not typically have the financial ability to pay the full fees for our courses, therefore in line with our goal to ensure that “no community is left behind in empowerment programs”, Dewdrop Foundation will provide a 50% discount on the course fee of N40,000 for the community’s participants in the Basic ICT course, in partnership with Techxagon Academy".

Dewdrop Institute’s globally recognized certifications are accredited by the City and Guilds International of the UK, the Skills Development Council of Canada, and the National Council on Technical Education (NBTE) of Nigeria.

Mrs Nnaji, who had served as a Director of Marketing at Sheraton Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, before joining Geometric Power as the current Group Managing Director and also holds an MBA from George Washington University in the United States in Tourism and Hotel Management, also stated that Dewdrop Institute is the official training partner of BON Hotels International of South Africa which has a portfolio of over 40 hotels in Nigeria and the West African region.

A beneficiary of Dewdrop Foundation’s Youth Empowerment Summer Programme in the Umuode community, Mrs Ujunwa Ugwu, spoke enthusiastically about the positive impact the Foundation’s interventions have made in the community.



She shared her experience while an undergraduate at Ebonyi State University where the training she got in catering from the Dewdrop Institute enabled her to generate a reasonable income for her school fees through her sale of confectionaries to other students and the university campus community.

Though participants in the Institute’s City & Guilds UK certified Caregiving programmes are trained to work in Nigeria, many have departed to Europe and Canada because of the better prospects. The President General of the Umuode Community, The Hon. Emma Owube, however, in his official handover speech at the Centre to Dewdrop Foundation, stated that that the “brain drain trend can be easily turned into “brain gain, as we have already started witnessing in Nigeria, like the situations in India and China".

“Nigerians abroad remit between $20m and $25m annually to their country, which is about the same amount we generate from oil and gas annually.

“Many Nigerian homes are sustained by their members working abroad, and many of these highly accomplished persons eventually return home to work as highly skilled doctors, engineers, data scientists, academics, healthcare professionals, etc., thereby helping their communities and the economy through technology transfer”.

The Umuode traditional ruler, Igwe Moses Idenyi, is full of praise for Mrs. Nnaji and her colleagues at the Dewdrop Foundation for their vision and compassion for the rural people and the implementation of Dewdrop’s hands-on TVET practical education.

“If only our tertiary institutions could provide more practical training for our students as the Dewdrop Institute does”, the monarch argues, “our unemployment crisis in Nigeria would not have been so severe”.

The Chairman of Geometric Power, Professor Bart Nnaji, who is a globally recognised engineering researcher, agrees with Igwe Idenyi, adding that the world is moving towards not just technical and vocational education, but also promoting what is known in academic circles as action research "where theory informs practice and practice, in turn, informs theory.

“Action research is well known in engineering, technology management, the social sciences, and management research.
“Nigerian institutions need to embrace action research to enable our youth to have a better appreciation of what they learn in the classroom, become more creative and innovative, as well as become successful entrepreneurs.

“I have gone through the Dewdrop Institute’s curriculum, and I am satisfied that Nigeria is in need of its programmes and courses”.

Chukwuma Begins Anambra Guber Journey, Inaugurates Campaign Council

The frontline All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the 2025 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, Sir Paul Chukwuma has formally begun the race for the Anambra State House with the inauguration of his primary election campaign council in Abuja at the weekend.

The 15-man campaign council comprises a stellar cast of proven political and community leaders whose influence on the political environment of Anambra State has been established over time.

Leading the team as the Director-General is Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi, former House of Representatives member who represented Idemili North and South Federal Constituency in the 9th National Assembly, and Chief Uzu Okagbue who doubled as Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff of former Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State. Okagbue was duly appointed as the Deputy Director-General of Chukwuma’s campaign in Anambra Central senatorial zone.

Other members of the campaign council include, Chief Raphael Okeke, Deputy Director-General, Anambra North Zone, Chief Jude Osude, Deputy Director-General, Anambra South Senatorial Zone, Barr. C.J Chinwuba, Secretary of the Campaign Council, Hon. Hillary Udeanu, Director of Security, His Excellency Amb. Elijah Onyeagba, Director of Finance, Chief Tony Onyima, Ph.D., Director, Research and Documentation, and Chief Uche Nworah, Ph.D, Director of Media/Communications.

Others include, Mr. Ifeanyi Njelita, Director of Protocol, Hon. Chinedu Eluemunoh, Director of Contact & Mobilization, Hon. Chinedu Nnatuanya M, Director of Strategy, Planning and Monitoring, Hon. James Eze, Campaign Spokesperson, Hon. Emeka Ahonu, Director, Chieftancy and Town Union Matters and Hon. Fort Dike, Political Adviser.

Inaugurating the Council, Sir Chukwuma charged members of the council to work hard to ensure that he emerges as the candidate of APC in the party’s coming primary election.

In his own words, “My dear brothers and sisters, I want you to see your acceptance to serve in my campaign council as a call to serve Ndi Anambra. We are all familiar with the current situation in our dear state. Everyone is feeling the effects of insecurity and other challenges facing our people. The time to turn the corner is now, or else, we will wake up one day and we won’t have any state to return home to. Our message which we are pitching to our party people, to guide their decisions during the party primaries is anchored on my ‘HIS’ vision – human capital development, infrastructural development and security. Every other thing or enabler will ride on these three critical pillars.”

Speaking on behalf of the members of the campaign council, the DG, Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi observed that Sir. Chukwuma’s decision to join the gubernatorial race was a clear sign that God’s appointed time to redeem Anambra State had finally come. Said he, “Paul Chukwuma is like a special purpose vehicle through which Anambra people are quickly coming together to rescue our dear state.”

Speaking further, Hon. Ibezi observed that “with our collective commitment and God’s blessings, we will deliver Sir Chukwuma as the APC candidate for the 2025 Anambra gubernatorial election. Sir Chukwuma is ready and prepared. He is tried and tested. He is a God-fearing family man who is passionate about service. He is ready to lead the charge to birth the new Anambra. On behalf of the gubernatorial campaign council, we thank you for finding us worthy to serve in the council and Ndi Anambra. We accept this challenge.”

The inauguration eventually dovetailed into a seminar which was meticulously planned to wake the council members up to the great task at hand, offering them a conceptual handle for the challenge they had accepted.

Two highly respected scholars and university dons were drafted to deliver carefully curated lectures at the seminar. A professor of political science, Prof. Tochukwu Okeke of the University of Abuja delivered the opening lecture entitled “Pragmatic Politics that Wins or Emotive Politics that Marginalizes,” while Prof Chukwuemeka Jaja Nwanegbo of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka spoke on the topic, “Team Leadership, Developing Shared Vision and Success in Campaign Management.”

The seminar was marked by intense exchanges and brainstorming as council members swung into action, analyzing the current leadership incubus in Anambra State and making scenario planning on what Sir Chukwuma must do to get his party’s nomination and eventually reset Anambra State.

Anambra is in Safe Hands, Youths Applaud Soludo as Anambra clocks 33


Anambra youths think that the state needs to continue its trajectory of sustained positive development under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

The youths under the aegis of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Anambra State Chapter, believe that at 33, the state is in safe hands with Soludo at its helm of affairs.


The State NYCN Chairman, Ambassador Surveyor Obi Emeka Chukwudi, gave the view while addressing newsmen in a press conference in Awka, to mark 33 years of the creation of the present Anambra State.

The state since its creation in 1991, has had democratic leaders including Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Dr Chris Ngige, Mr Peter Obi, Chief Willie Obiano, and presently, Prof Chukwuma Soludo.

Each of the governors had made significant impacts in state governance in different spheres.

However, Surveyor Obi believes the Soludo administration stands tall and has not lowered the bar on good governance and people-centric policies.


Obi said the state under Soludo, is breaking a lot of positive records through the careful crafting of policies across various sectors, management of lean resources, and plugging of corruption windows.

“The free fall of the Naira against the Dollar has today put a lot of states in debt, even when their rake-ins from the Federation’s account appear to have increased.

“The purchasing power of the states has dropped and so with a lot of development programmes, as many governors have resorted to borrowing to stay afloat.

“But amidst all these, Governor Soludo has remained committed to delivering dividends of democracy to Anambra people.

“Roads are still being constructed with high quality. Schools are equipped and teachers recruited. More General Hospitals are built Primary Health Centres revived, and so on.

“It can only take an astute administrator, to effectively manage meager resources to achieve such great accomplishments, as being done by Soludo,” he said.

Obi emphasized that the state cannot afford to plunge back into its dark era, when political thuggery, debt, and corruption were the order of the day.

“Having seen all these things that the governor is doing, we are obliged as youths to say that what we have today in the state is rare and expedient, considering the global economic challenge.

“Anambra youths have also been carried along, as the Soludo administration has impacted them so much.

“The One Youth Two Skill initiative, which is in its second phase, has been instrumental to the emergence of youth millionaires, who will go on to be life-savers to their families and loved ones,” the Anambra NYCN boss said.

Geometric Power Laments Gas Shortage, Lauds FG and Abia Govt for Assistance

Geometric Power, Nigeria’s foremost integrated electricity group, has decried the acute shortage of natural gas supply to its 188-megawatt plant in the Osisioma Industrial Estate in Aba, Abia State, saying it is affecting the state's economic growth.

“Due to the grave shortage of gas”, said Ugo Opiegbe, the managing director of Aba Power, Nigeria’s 12th electricity distribution company which is Geometric Power’s embedded firm, “we have been constrained to import 25megawatts from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) at a huge cost, just to ensure that our customers have supplies, no matter the cost to us”.

Continued Opiegbe in the statement: “It is a supreme irony that though we are ready to generate 141MW from our three General Electric (GE) turbines and provide uninterrupted, quality and affordable electricity to nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State we service and export some 50MW potential excess power to the national grid to make power more available to other places in Nigeria, we are importing electricity because of the grave gas constraints”.

The company notes that the Aba Ringfence needs about 90MW, which it can generate from two of its installed three turbines, with a capacity of 47MW each.

“Therefore, the 25MW from the NDPHC is like a drop of water in the ocean.

“The unreliable gas supply is affecting hundreds of thousands of our customers, particularly manufacturing firms for whose sake Geometric Power built the $800m Aba Integrated Power Project to accelerate the industrial development of Aba and its environs and serve as a model of electricity development in Nigeria, a promising nation whose growth has been hampered seriously over the decades by the absence of such basic infrastructure as reliable power”.

Regarded as the biggest private sector investment in the Southeast, the Aba power integrated project was commissioned last February 26 by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

According to Ogbonna Chukwueke, an engineer and gas expert who used to be a Shell executive, Geometric Power signed an agreement with The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in 2009 for the supply of 43 million standard cubic feet of gas (MSCF) from its Oil Mining Licences (OMLs) 11 and 17 in Owaza, Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, for its four turbines to produce 47MW each.

However, noted the erstwhile Shell engineer who is now a petroleum consultant in Lagos, the withdrawal of the petroleum giant from Nigeria’s onshore and shallow offshore operations following years of massive oil theft, vandalism against its facilities, community issues and kidnapping of its officers for ransom by criminal gangs led to the transfer of the ownership and management of the OMLs 11 and 17 to local operators “who unfortunately have not been able to deliver even up to 10 Million SCF dailyon any occasion to the power plantGeometric Power’.

But Geometric Power has revealed that it is working “frantically to resolve the gas supply challenge”, acknowledging what it described as the wonderful and patriotic efforts of Vice President Shettima, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu, and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Group Managing Director Mele Kyari in assisting to get a more reliable source of gas to the power plant.

“From the look of things”, continued the power utility, “we should be able to overcome the gas shortage within a month.

Geometric Power Model is Impressive, says British High Commissioner



The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, has described the model of the Geometric Power in developing the Aba Independent Power Project in Abia State as impressive.



“The Geometric model is impressive”, declared the High Commissioner after inspecting the facilities in the $800m power project which comprises a 188-megawatt gas-fired plant with an embedded distribution firm that provides electricity to nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State.



“It represents the kind of innovation needed to drive sustainable development across Nigeria”.



Dr Montgomery was accompanied by the Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engineer Ikechukwu Monday, and was received on arrival by the Geometric Power management led by its chairman, Professor Bart Nnaji, a former Minister of Power.



Commissioned last February 26 by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Aba Independent Project was started in 2004 on the recommendation of the then World Bank president, James Wolfonsohn, and the then Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, when they visited Aba in March 2004 and discovered that the lack of reliable electricity was the main constraint to the realization of the city’s enormous manufacturing potential.



They requested Professor Nnaji, a leading Nigerian engineering professor in the United States who had earlier led a team of Nigerian engineers to build the 22MW Abuja Emergency Plant, to consider establishing an independent thermal plant in Aba for small, medium, and large industrialists.



High Commissioner Montgomery also lauded the “state-of-the-art facilities” at the power utility.



The utility, licensed to produce 188MW, has three installed General Electric (GE) turbines and has built four brand-new substations and refurbished three old ones inherited from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).



“It has, in addition, provided 150,000 kilometres of overhead wires and cables”, says Ben Caven, a former PHCN executive director in charge of engineering, transmission, and generation who is now the Geometric Power managing director.



“Our steel tubular poles, with 10 metres buried in the ground to withstand any natural disaster like an earthquake, match the ones in San Francisco in the United States and Tokyo in Japan.



“We have also built a 27-kilometre gas pipeline from Owaza in Ukwa West LGA to the Osisioma Industrial Layout in Aba”.



The British diplomat said that given the technical sophistication attained by Geometric Power, he would like UK firms to work with it.



Nnaji praised the High Commissioner for the visit, adding that when Geometric Power overcomes the ongoing gas supply challenges in the next few weeks, Aba would be receiving about 100MW while about 50MW would be exported to the national grid to boost electricity in other parts of the country.



The Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities commended Governor Alex Otti for his “relentless support to Geometric Power for its key role in the state’s industrialization”.



Other Geometric Power executives who interacted with the British High Commissioner delegation are the Geometric Power Group Managing Director, Mrs. Agatha Nnaji, The Managing Director of Geometric Power Aba Limited, Engr. Ben Caven, the Aba Power Managing Director, Ugo Opiegbe, and the Geometric Power Chief Financial Officer, Tony Alozie, the Aba Power Chief Operating Officer, Engr Blessing Ogbe, Facilities Manager, Geometric Power Group, Mr Adeniyi Adebiyi, as well as Hannah Yangchi, Principal Manager, Projects.

We Will To Take Part In Proposed LG Election In Anambra If....APC

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Anambra State Chapter, Chief Basil Ejidike says on Saturday, 17th August 2024 that the party will take part in the proposed Local Government election in Anambra State if a level playing ground will be provided to all the parties involved in the election, even as he expressed worry over the Anambra State government plan to conduct Local Government election within 30 days without providing enough time for voters review and political parties to carry out their activities transparently.

Chief Basil Ejidike who stated this at a press Conference in Awka argued that September 28, 2024 slated for the Council poll was not enough for political parties to conduct primaries, elect candidates, nominate party agents for 5720 polling units, campaign, among others.

Ejidike further argued that many would disfranchised going by the notice and timetable released by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) because no time for voters review to register those who recently clocked 18 years or lost their voter's card for them to participate in the election.

According to him, the party was also worried over the continuous amendments of Anambra State Local Government law and Anambra State electoral law even when the date for the election had been fixed, thereby amounting to shifting the goal post when the game was on.

He said they would not support the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) dominated legislature to legalise the illegitimate or happenings in the party which he viewed could be why the State Assembly amended some sections of the law that has to do with political party responsibilities, among others.

The party Chairman who recalled that the ANSIEC failed to carry the political parties along in the process, added that "if the government and ANSIEC continues the way they are going with this, we may be forced to seek other legitimate options because obviously there is nowhere we will be part of efforts to diffranchise Anambrarians. But whatever options we may decide to take later, it will be in consultation with IPAC (Interparty Advisory Council)."

Contributing, the APC State Legal Adviser, Barr Chukwunonso Chinwuba, noted that some of the amended sections of the Anambra State Local Government law and Anambra State electoral law contravenes with the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria and national electoral act, and also carried out when the process for conduct of the poll has commenced.

Igbo in Michigan, USA, Hold Igbo Day, Maiden New Yam Festival



The Igbo community in the midwestern state of Michigan will hold its Igbo Day and the first New Yam Festival in Detroit City on Saturday, August 17.



The festival will feature “authentic Igbo cuisines, masquerades, cultural music, and a cultural competition”, according to the president of the Igbo Cultural Festival of Michigan (ICAM), Gabriel Ugwu.



Sponsored by Mabel Hotel in Asaba, headquarters of Nigeria’s Delta State, the 2024 ICAM will be held at the nothwestern campus of the Wayne County Community College, West Detroit.



“We are lucky to have as our special guest Professor Bart Nnaji, the chairman of the Geometric Power group and former Minister of Power”, observed Ugwu.



“Nnaji, who has also been the Minister of Science and Technology, was officially named a Distinguished Professor of Industrial Engineering in the United States, the first Black person to be so honoured in American history.



“Since he left the United States in 2004 to set up the Aba Independent Power Project at the request of the then President of the World Bank, James Wolfosohn, and the then Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is now the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), to enable Aba to realize its full potential as the headquarters of indigenous technology, we could not have thought of a better person to serve as our special guest on this occasion than the globally respected industrial engineering professor who has already arrived from Nigeria”.



According to sources in Geometric Power, Nnaji accepted the invitation because Detroit is synonymous with industrial engineering, his core area of expertise.



“Detroit is the headquarters of General Motors, Ford Motors, and Stellantis, the three leading American auto manufacturers”, said the sources who revealed that Nnaji is impressed that the organisers of the Igbo New Yam Festival in Michigan want Nigerians in the United States and those at home to fuse technology and culture.



According to the sources who asked for anonymity because they were not authorised to the media on the issue, Nnaji himself is fascinated by how the love of the arts by Steve Jobs, co-founder and chairman of the Apple Corporation, resulted in the development of Apple products.



Jobs studied calligraphy for six months at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, and this reflected in the great and unique aesthetics of Apple’s first computer in the late 1980s, conferring a huge competitive edge on Macintosh.



Jobs’ fascination with music gave rise to iTunes, which changed technology and the music industry worldwide.



“One important lesson Nigerians need to learn from the 2024 ICAM is that culture, technology, and entrepreneurship must go together”, declared Ugwu.

Real Estate Expert, Dr Oziele Institutes Scholarship Scheme for Indigent Students of his Alma Mater


It was an occasion that looks to recognize and celebrate academic excellence over trendy accomplishments, as an alumnus of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Dr Godwin Oziele handed out the sum of fifty thousand naira each as educational scholarship to ten indigent students of the institution.

Ozeiele, who was the best graduating student of Estate Management Department of the school, 2009/2010 session, also gave an award of N100,000 to the best graduating student of the institution.

The scholarship was handed over during the official inauguration of the Godwin Oziele Annual Awards to the best-graduating student of each department and institution of scholarship scheme to ten students of the institution. It was held at the school’s auditorium, located at her permanent site.

Prior to the awards presentation, Dr Oziele, who is the Managing Director of Gasvine Properties, had paid a courtesy visit to the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Chukwujekwu Ubaka, in his office at the institution’s administrative block.

Speaking during the visit, Oziele revealed that though his company has been into various humanitarian and philanthropic activities, he had waited for an opportunity to give back to the institution that helped his early formation in life, which was the foundation for his breakthrough.

“As a President of Christ Ambassadors Students’ Outreach, CASOR, I found out that some members do not have money to pay for their school fees, while many others are battling to feed while in school.

“This was what inspired me to decide to invest in this regard.

“We have also been taken around the school and we are hopeful that we can always assist the much we can in the areas we have the capacity,” he said.

Responding, the rector, Dr Ubaka commended Dr Oziele for his efforts at giving back to the society that made him, insisting that the polytechnic has been a veritable platform for grooming notable citizens and rewarding service to mankind while calling on other alumni of the school to emulate Dr Oziele.

Presenting the educational scholarship later, Dr Oziele encouraged students of the institution that the polytechnic is sufficient to give them the best foundation needed to compete favorably in life.

He made it clear that the award was not a way to draw attention or attract vain glory, explaining that at Gasvine Properties Limited, they understand that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a way of giving back to society and contributing one’s quota to making the society a better place.

According to him, the awards will now be an annual event, which will also be expanded as resources permit.

“Since the inception of Gasvine Properties Limited, we have undertaken several CSRs, and it has become our corporate culture.

“In a world where entertainment, sports, etc., have been prioritized, we believe that quality education still remains the surest foundation for one to fulfill destiny in grand style.

“This is why we choose these awards of excellence and youth empowerment over the things that seem trendy and popular to the young ones,” he said.

The real estate guru explained that his company, Gasvine Properties Limited, is a registered real estate development company in Nigeria, with a vision to become one of the leading real estate companies in Nigeria.

In his words, “In our six years of existence, we have been able to make many Nigerians become landlords and landladies. One event stood out for me, when a widow, who is a petty trader came in tears of joy to appreciate the company for making her a landlady in one of our estates. This is what GASVINE stands for and our records over these years are worthy testimonies for us.

“We have 10 developing estates in various states in Nigeria. We have in Enugwu Agidi, here in Anambra State, at Asaba Delta State, at Imo State, Lagos State, Ogun State etc.

“Our drive is to ensure that all Nigerians, despite income class or status, become proud landlords.

“This is why we introduced very flexible payment plans that can allow even students to invest in real estate.

“We have GASVINE PROPERTIES LTD, which takes care of housing provisions/accommodations.

“We have GASVINE CONSTRUCTIONS LTD that handles our Construction Works, and we also have Godwin Oziele & Company, a professional Estate Surveyors and Valuers firm that takes care of all real estate services.”

For her part, the Managing Director of Masters Energy Properties, a subsidiary of Master Energy Oil and Gas, ESV Ebele Igwe, who is also an alumnus of the school, while commending the efforts of Dr Oziele, promised to support the institution with the renovation of some facilities in the Estate Management Department.

In their separate remarks, the Institution’s Students Union Government President, Comrade Kingsley Ogbu, and some of the beneficiaries of the scholarship, Nnanwuba Chukwudum, Hyacinth Nnaemeka, and Chioma Okoro extolled the efforts of the philanthropist, noting that it has the capacity to ignite fresh hunger among the students, to strive for academic excellence.

Lagos-London Flights: AITE Chairman Commends Keyamo for Standing Up For Air Peace



The chairman of the Africa Investment and Trade Summit and Exhibition (AITE), Tunde MacAlabi, has commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for fighting relentlessly for Nigeria’s interests in aviation since his appointment a year ago.

“If most of Keyamo’s predecessors had been committed to national interests as the present aviation minister, the Nigerian aviation sector would have been as competitive as that of any of the developed nations”, MacAlabi asserted in a statement in Lagos today.

Recalling how Keyamo cancelled the controversial flight deal which his predecessor entered into with Ethiopian Airlines because it was skewed against the country, the AITE chairman, cited a recent letter by the Nigerian aviation minister to the British authorities as the latest example of Keyamo’s patriotism.



In the letter written on August 1, 2024, the minister asked the British Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Hugh, to ensure that Air Peace, which commenced operations into London last March, is provided a slot at Heathrow Airport, UK’s foremost airport, not later than November, otherwise, British Airways and Virgin Airlines may no longer fly to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Air Peace is confined to Gatwick Airport in London.

"This is unfair”, the AITE chairman declared in the statement.

“The current arrangement looks like part of the grand design against Air Peace and other Nigerian carriers like Arik and Bellview that dared fly to Europe”.



MacAlabi recalled how international carriers engaged in a “vicious trade war to frustrate Air Peace when it began the Lagos-London route with a mere N1.2 million fare for a seat whereas the foreign airlines were charging as high as N4m per seat.



“They were even desperate enough to frustrate Air Peace by charging less than N1.2m, but the indigenous carrier beat them”.



MacAlabi praised the Nigerian people and government for supporting Air Peace in its international operations.



The local airline is competitive not just in airfare but also in the quality of ground and in-flight services and safety record, noted the AITE chairman.



“The Nigerian dishes it serves passengers are top-notch”, MacAlabi added.



He continued: “If the Nigerian government and people had risen to the occasion during the time of Bellview and Arik when they commenced international operations, they perhaps would have weathered the storm”.



MacAlabi observed that the London route has been so profitable that in the 1990s when Nigeria had a diplomatic problem with the United Kingdom, British Airways offered to provide its equipment and crew to the rival Nigeria Airways just to ensure that the UK did not lose the route.



“The manner of the operationalization of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the UK has always been unfair to our country”, noted the AITE leader, recollecting that British Airways was landing in Kano as of right up to the 1980s, that is, landing in both Lagos and Kano without paying the required fees. In contrast, Nigeria Airways was allowed to land only at Heathrow.



“It’s delightful that the Ibrahim Babangida government changed the lopsided arrangement in the late 1980s despite the spirited defence of the status quo by local forces working for British Airways”.



MacAlabi also counselled the aviation minister to ensure that Air Peace resumes flights to Dubai on equal terms as Emirates operates into Lagos.



“Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has so far discharged his duties with the necessary patriotism, courage and foresight”.

Idemili North TC Chairman, Hon. Nkwoka Blows Hot On Street Trading, Trading On Drainages

...Pleased With Governor Soludo's Performance, Declares His Re-election Sacrosact

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The result-oriented Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra, Hon. Chief (Sir) Stanley Nkwoka (Ochendo Idemili), says he will partner with all the stakeholders and every relevant government's agency to stop street trading and trading on the drainage system.

Hon. Nkwoka who stated this while fielding questions from Newsmen at the Council's Headquarters, Ogidi also said he would decongest the roads, especially the ones in the Urban areas, explaining that it would eenhance free flow of traffic in Idemili North Local Government Area and its environs.

Speaking on political front, the Chief Servant of the most populous and densely populated LGA in Anambra State emphatically said the re-election of the Solution Governor for second term was a must and remained sacrosanct.

According to the people's TC Chairman, 'I shall work with the stakeholders and the party's leaders to showcase and disseminate the information about the good works of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to the grassroots.

'I shall also work with the major stakeholders in Idemili North during the campaigns for the governor’s reelection to setup a formidable and far-reaching campaign for the local government to win the election.

'Our election team shall be devoid of touts and cultism. Long live Idemili North Local Government! Long Live Anambra State Government!! Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Sir Stanley Chigbo Nkwoka, KSJI (Ochendo Idemili) concluded.

LET GOVERNMENT UNDERSTAND THE DANGER OF POOR TB FUNDING - GROUP TELLS CSOs, MEDIA


Civil society advocates and media practitioners have been urged to join the campaign for increased domestic funding for tuberculosis in Anambra State.

They are tasked to do all within their power to get the state government to increase budgetary allocation and releases for TB programme.

This, according to the Executive Director, Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre, Eucharia Anekwe, is imperative in the face of the growing donor fatigue and the current rating of the state as number in terms of TB burden in the south east region.

Anekwe made the call in Awka, Anambra State, at a one day capacity building training for Civil Society Organizations and the media on enhancing advocacy strategies for TB funding, which was held under the Fund TB project anchored by Policy Alert in partnership with the Palladium Group, under the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project, funded by USAID.

The Program Manager of the organization, Oge Ozoemena, in her address of welcome, noted that the overaching goal of the project is to enhance and sustain domestic investment and bridge the substantial 70 percent funding gap required to manage tuberculosis interventions in our focal states.

“Your presence here underscores the importance of our collective mission and the pivotal role you play in advancing TB interventions in our communities.”

I am confident that this workshop will equip us with the tools and knowledge necessary to make a lasting impact. Together, we can enhance our advocacy efforts, foster greater engagement, and ultimately bridge the funding gap to manage TB effectively,” Ozoemena concluded.

In a paper presentation, an investigative journalist Dr Ifeanyi Obiefuna, challenged the CSOs and media professionals to be alive to their responsibilities.

He argued that without a good understanding of TB related budgets, policies and laws, it will be difficult to carry out successful interventions and media reporting.

“When you get the state budgets, one of the things you can do to determine the level of TB funding is to see if allocations are increasing or decreasing, what are factors driving the changes, impacts of the trend on TB intervention as well as success and challenges”.

Another presentation was delivered by the State TB Network coordinator, Ify Unachukwu, who shared many tips on how to carry out effective advocacy for improved TB funding in the state. “You must bear in mind the principles of effective community. Ensure your message is clear and understandable, be consistent with the message and back your message up with reliable data to earn credibility.

“Above all, present your advocacy brief in a humanized manner which evokes emotions and makes it easy for your audience to relate with them.

Do not also forget to use before and after statistics and visualizations to show the decrease in TB and the increase in treatment success rates. This will greatly in driving home your message,” Unachukwu submitted.

The event afforded participants the opportunity to interact and share insights on the health sector of the state especially the TB intervention with a resolve to work assiduously together to achieve a rise in domestic funding for the infectious disease.

The CSO activists and media practitioners also drafted action plan and strategies for the engagements during the six-month long Fund TB campaign.

Anambra Govt opens 2-Month Window for Developers to regularize Building Plans or Risk Demolition

Anambra State Government on Wednesday, announced a two-month window for the ‘Operation Show Your Building Permit’ spanning from 1st of August to the 31st of October, 2024, during which all property owners with buildings that lack necessary approvals are required to regularize their building plans.
This was part of the directives taken by the state government to mitigate the incidence of building collapse in the state, as announced by the Executive Chairman, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, ANSPPB, Barr Chike Maduekwe, during a press conference at the ANSPPB headquarters in Awka, Anambra State Capital.
“This amnesty period is an opportunity for compliance and to avoid penalties that may be imposed after the expiration of the grace period.
“To regularize your building plan, please visit the Anambra State Physical Planning Board for necessary documentation and procedures at the ANSPPB Headquarters, Old Government Station, Amawbia, Awka Capital Territory, Anambra State.
“Failure to comply with this directive after the stipulated period will result in appropriate sanctions.
The state government is also saying that the spate of buildings collapse is becoming alarming and has directed that effective immediately, all permits for ongoing construction projects are hereby suspended, while all developers handling projects are required to bring their approval documents for revalidation.
Explaining that the state government is not revoking all existing building permits, Maduekwe said it is ordering its revalidation to be sure that the approval given is what the developer is building.
“Because most Developers after obtaining building permit approval do not engage relevant professionals in the Built industry, Anambra State Physical Planning Board will now audit and ensure that these Professionals have been engaged in all ongoing constructions.
“This is an already existing requirement in the building regulation, but because there is shortage of personnel, developers get approval and begin to do what they like.
“Also, any development that commences without 7 days prior notice to ANSPPB will be deemed illegal and is liable to be demolished and the developer will be made to face the full embrace of the law. During the audit, any buildings that are found to have structural integrity issues will be subjected to non-destructive testing (NDT) by the Material Testing laboratory, which the law requires us to collaborate with.
“Furthermore, soil investigation report has now become a mandatory requirements for most constructions in Anambra State and all buildings above two floors must submit Geotechnical surveys, failing which there will be severe penalties. This is because in the past, we found that most of these building that collapse have to do with the soil and the kind of foundation put in place,” he said.
Barr Maduekwe revealed that the state government will now hire Professional consultants nominated by professional bodies, structural engineers, architects, to monitor construction sites and vet plans statewide.
He also said the Board plans to intensify efforts on statutory stage inspections as well as signing of stage certification forms by relevant professionals, who will be liable for any building failure or collapse, not government staff.

CSOs, MEDIA PARTNER GOVERNMENT FOR IMPROVED TB FUNDING IN ANAMBRA


Critical stakeholders in the health sector in Anambra State have resolved to work together towards reducing the burden of tuberculosis in the area.

While Nigeria ranks number six in the world and number one in Africa, with every local government having TB cases, Anambra has the highest burden of TB drug resistance cases and childhood TB contribution in the South-East and the country at large.

This informed the one-day Stakeholders Roundtable Discussion on Unlocking Funding for TB interventions., which was organized by Fund TB Cluster anchored by Policy Alert and partnered with the Palladium Group under the Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement (SCALE) project, funded by USAID.

Addressing the stakeholders including government officials, CSO advocates and media professionals, the Head, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, Fund TB Cluster, Faith Paulinus, explained that the event was to drive home the demand for transformative budgeting which would lead to increased funding for TB.

“There's still seventy percent gap in TB funding and the little we are doing is also donor-driven. So, if funders pull out, there will be problems.

“Anambra State has done considerably well compared with other states in South East and South-South regions. The fourth quarter 2023 implementation report shows that Anambra spent 21 million out of 50 million budgeted for TB intervention in the state. But, there's room for improvement.

“We will hold everyone accountable for the commitment expressed here. We want to see that ten percent of 50 million allocated for TB programming is being released before the end of the year. The CSOs should be ready to work towards achieving this. We equally want to see robust private sector engagement,” Paulinus said.

In an opening speech, Ogechukwu Ozoemena, the Project Manager, Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre, (GPSDC), which executes the project in Anambra State, described the gathering as an opportunity to share insights, strategies and efforts towards achieving the goal of Fund TB project in the area.

“Today’s meeting is a crucial part of our mission to enhance and sustain domestic investment for TB interventions, aiming to bridge the substantial 70% funding gap required to effectively manage TB in our state.

In a remark, the Coordinator, State TB Control, Dr Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, represented by Chiamaka Oguejiofor, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, explained that inadequate funding had stalled the speed of TB interventions. “Funding determines how far we can go. We have CBOs who penetrate those hard to reach areas in search of TB cases. But, we are hoping that if funds are available, we will do much more than we are doing now”.

On the occasion, the Executive Director, Anambra State AIDS Control Agency, ANSACA, Johnbosco Nkem Ementa represented by the Program Lead/Gender and Human Rights State Response Team Desk Officer, Ifeanyi Cyril, said, “our commitment is to continue to support TB patients. We are happy to be here working with others to stop escalation of TB cases.

While the State Coordinator of TB Network, Ify Unachukwu, stressed the need for private sector involvement, which has proven effective in addressing challenges in the health sector, the representative of the private sector, Ikechukwu Agwuilere of Dozie Oil, expressed their willingness to partner with government to halt the spread of tuberculosis in Anambra State.

The Managing Director, Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, (ASHIA), Dr Simeon Onyemaechi, represented by the Medical officer, Dr Sought out Okechi, said arrangements have reached advanced stage with the Global Fund towards enrolling over 20,000 TB patients into the health insurance scheme for better treatment.

The Director, Planning in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Arthur Iwuanya, called for close working relationship between the implementing NGO and relevant government institutions to achieve improved budgeting and releases for tuberculosis in the state.

“Liaise with Dr Chukwulobelu who coordinates the state’s TB control program so that they will effect the increase in their budget for 2025. That way, it will enjoy green light bilateral discussions which start very soon".

For her part, the State Health Financing Officer, Chizoba Mbanefo, argued that ensuring more releases for TB is more impactful than just raising the budgetary allocations without commensurate releases. “But, we must be able to present something backed with relevant data and figures. Let's task the TB campaigners to develop a policy brief which can be presented to the governor for his buy in”.

Speaking on behalf of the civil society, the Program Officer, Save the World Support Foundation (SAWOR), Chima Asomba, stressed the need to bridge the knowledge gaps about TB in the communities while advocating training and retraining of those implementing interventions especially at the DOT centres. “Also, training must be sustained. We must also increase the sensitization to deal with the issue of self stigma”.

Executive Director, GPSDC, Eucharia Anekwe, I am happy about the intervention. There are a lot of myths about tuberculosis. Most people do not know that it is infectious. Yes, we are talking about improving domestic funding but that is not enough without sensitization. This project will bring the messages about TB, its symptoms and every other thing to the grassroots.

On the part of the government, they have relaxed for too long leaving everything to the donors. But, I am happy that most of the inhibiting factors have been addressed. Ministries of Health, Economic Planning and Budget, ANSACA, Primary Health Care Development Agency, ASHIA are all here and have made commitment towards improved funding for TB in the state.

“I am happy that they also agreed to the need for private sector engagement and incidentally, the private sector was equally represented here and the representative also gave his commitment. I am excited about the outcome of this event today,” Anekwe concluded.

ASATU Prime Minister Donates One Million Naira To SSG


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


Prime Minister of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) Amb. Dr. John Metchie has donated a whooping sum of N1 Million to Soludo Support Group (SSG) to support activities of the group.

Making the donation at the " YOU NEED TO KNOW" as well as unveiling of SSG new uniform held at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre Awka at the weekend, Metchie who was the Chairman of the occasion underscored the importance of support groups and the pivotal roles they played in preaching the gospel of good governance in the hinterlands as clearly exemplified in the activities of Soludo Support Group (SSG).

Represented on the occasion by the ASATU national president Chief Barr. Titus Nnabuike Akpudo, Metchie who is also the Deputy Commander-General (technical services) of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) further extolled SSG for penetrating the grassroots with good news on road construction, quality healthcare delivery, job recruitments, free education, war against insecurity as well as the state government efforts to enthrone a liveable, loveable and prosperous homeland for all and sundry.

Metchie, a philanthropist per excellence, has lifted many out of abject penury and squalor through his humanitarian services in his country home Umueri Anambra-East council area, where he equally doubled as the President-General of the community town union.

Metchie, as a Peace Ambassador of the United Nations has championed peace in remote communities through youth empowerments and human capital development programmes as he believes in investing in the younger generation to secure their future.

He however described the Convener and National Coordinator of Soludo Support Group (SSG) Hon. Chinedu Nwoye (Glamour) as vibrant, diligent and hardworking, adding that SSG has established presence in all the nooks and crannies of Anambra State.

The ASATU Prime Minister who has provided a multi-million naira modern security post at Umueri to combat insecurity in the Omambala region of the state, maintained that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo's giant infrastructural strides were being replicated in the region because the governor has set standards for sustainable development.

He therefore encouraged SSG to continue to penetrate the grassroots and win more souls for the present state government as he believes that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has come to provide solutions to Anambra's teething problems.

##

Geometric Power Mourns Iwuanyanwu, Calls Him A Staunch Supporter


Geometric Power Ltd, Nigeria’s leading electric power integrated group, has described the death yesterday in Abuja of a foremost elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel C. Iwuanyanwu, as unexpected and shocking.



“He was one of our staunchest supporters”, the company said today in a statement quoting its founder and chairman, Professor Bart Nnaji, as saying.



“Iwuanyanwu, 82, and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), was extremely proud of the work we are doing at Geometric Power Ltd by fellow Nigerian engineers”.



Continued the former Minister of Power who has also been the Minister of Science and Technology:

“Though he planned to attend in person the commissioning last February 26 of the Aba Independent Power Project comprising a 188-megawatt power plant in the Osisioma Industrial Layout of Aba and the Aba Power Electric Company by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, he couldn’t eventually make it due to an unforeseen development.



“Just before the commissioning, Dr Iwuanyanwu had granted a major interview to a team of journalists where he spoke eloquently, persuasively and passionately on the project's significance”.



It is understood that Iwuanyanwu had in the interview pledged to consult the Geometric Power group and the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) that provides power to the five Southeastern states with a view to working out an arrangement on how to make the area attain constant, reliable and affordable electricity.



“Though he was the president general of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Iwuanyanwu did not possess a tunnel vision, but rather a national one”, Nnaji declared, adding that the Champion newspaper publisher, a knight of the Anglican Church, had no difficulty giving his daughter to the famous Muslim Aritsekola family of Ibadan in Oyo State because of his broad-mindedness.



Professor Nnaji recalled that Iwuanyanwu was honoured in all parts of the country like “ the late Chief Moshood Abiola with all kinds of titles for his profound contributions to national unity, peace and development, and so justifiably sought to become Nigeria’s president in the Third Republic”.



The former remarked that “Chief Iwuanyanwu excelled in road construction through his Hardel and Enic company, in aviation through his Oriental Airlines, in sports through his Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club which won various prestigious competitions, as well as in publishing through the Champion newspapers.



“We are proud that he also excelled in insurance, public relations, property development, insurance, philanthropy and community development.



“No one should forget that Chief Iwuanyanwu was the chairman of the Imo State Airport Committee that raised funds for building Sam Mbakwe Airport, the first airport in Nigeria’s history built by a state government.



“An appreciative nation honoured him with different high national awards, and Nigeria should continue to honour his memory as a foremost nationalist and developer of the Nigerian nation”.

Anambra NYCN Boss asks Youths to shun Proposed nationwide Protest, advocates Return of Fuel Subsidy

Anambra youths have been urged to distance themselves from the planned nationwide protest tagged #End Bad Governance in Nigeria, scheduled to commence from the 1st of August, 2024.
The call came from Ambassador Comrade Obi Emeka Chukwudi, the Anambra State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, who spoke to newsmen in Awka, the state capital.
The protest, which is in response to the economic hardship, has continued to gain endorsement from various quarters, even as the federal government has appealed for patience from Nigerians as it takes steps to ameliorate their sufferings.
Comrade Obi believes the planned protest will be against the interest of the state, if the people join in the protest.
According to him, such protests may come with laudable intentions but the chances are very high that they may be hijacked and the purpose will be defeated.
“Considering the porous nature of our security situation in the Southeast and Anambra State in particular, I believe it will not fare us any good, if our people join the protest.
“When such protests happen, emotions run wild and there may be no limits to how even the genuine protesters can express them.
“What eventually happens is that some will begin to destroy public and private infrastructure and other assets that make life meaningful for our people.
“What we advocate, is that the federal government takes urgent steps to appeal to the conscience of the people. One of such steps is the return of fuel subsidy because it looks like everything went haywire once the subsidy was removed.
“It is expected that the return of the fuel subsidy will positively impact the situation and return normalcy to the system, especially for the poor and lowly in the society,” Obi hoped.
On the recent signing of the South East Development Commission, SEDC Bill by President Bola Tinubu, the Anambra NYCN boss described it as a clear demonstration of love for Ndigbo and commitment to addressing issues fueling agitations by people of the Southeast.
The Commission’s law, which was signed into law alongside that of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) on Tuesday, is responsible for the development of the five South-east states of Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, Enugu, and Anambra.
Reacting to the President’s disposition, Comrade Obi said the Commission is coming at the appropriate time to begin to right all the perceived wrongs against Ndigbo.
According to him, the Commission, when established, will help address the poor infrastructure facing the Southeast region and give the people a better sense of belonging in the Nigerian entity.
“As far as we are concerned as youths, this direction taken by the president is quite commendable and represents action over the age-long talks by successive governments at the centre.
”Across the Southeast region, there is an obvious dearth of public infrastructure. The federal roads in the region are in a deplorable condition and have so been for many decades.
“The promises of the central government after the Nigeria-Civil war remained unfulfilled and this has brought a new phase of agitations that has worsened the insecurity in the region.
“It is unfortunate that in the entire Southeast, there is no single blue line, irrespective of the huge potential the region holds for commerce and industry in the country.
“These are the issues we are optimistic that the Commission will begin to address in the immediate once it comes on stream,” Obi said.
The Anambra youth leader expressed the hope that the Federal Government will begin the full implementation of the law without any further delay.

Tipper Drivers Draw Soludo's Attention To Multiple Unreceipted Inter-State Cash Revenue Imposed By AIRS


... Accuse Anti-Tout Of Molestations



BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka



Tipper Drivers have drawn the attention of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to the multiple N5000 unreceipted Inter-State cash revenues imposed on them by the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service(AIRS) at Head Bridge Onitsha.

The N5000 inter-state unreceipted cash collections from Tipper Drivers by AIRS officials at the Bridge Head Onitsha, incessant molestations of Tipper Drivers by the State Anti-Touting Squad, multiple taxations by hoodlums christened government revenue officials, lifting of ban on sand mining, covering of sand on transit and some other pressing issues were the crux of the matter at the enlarged meeting of the Tipper Drivers held at Promise Land Tipper Garage Nkwelle-Ezunaka Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State on Thursday.

The Tipper Drivers bemoaned the fact that the state government had banned them from operations in their various locations across the state due to the activities of sand miners yet still if they go to Asaba in Delta State to obtain sand after necessary documentations and payments, officials of the AIRS still accosted them at the Bridge Head Onitsha only to compel each Tipper Driver to pay N5000 cash on the spot without receipts being issued.

Any attempt to resist paying the N5000 unreceipted cash which the AIRS officials tagged Inter-State Revenue, the Anti-tout squad and other security agents are unleashed on them and their Tippers impounded in spite of the rigors of going to another state to obtain sand following ban on such operations in Anambra State.

Speaking shortly after the meeting, the Tipper Drivers commended the efforts of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra(OCHA BRIGADE) in their efforts to rid the entire state all forms of environmental degradations.

President of the Anambra State Tipper Association prince Nze Augustine Akaigwe said the essence of the meeting was to inaugurate Onitsha zone of the Tipper association in the state. Akaigwe stated that the association has Awka, Omambala and Orumba zones respectively.

Akaigwe who stated that some of the challenges confronting Tipper owners and drivers in the state include closure of sand beaches, appealed that sand miners and government should have an understanding so that the beaches can be opened for Tipper Drivers to resume operations as stoppage of their businesses is grossly affecting their families.

Meanwhile Chairman of the Onitsha zone of Tipper Drivers and member of Board of Trustees of Anambra State Tipper Association, Comrade Chukwuebuka Unekwe, said the meeting was convened not only to inaugurate Onitsha zone but also to thank Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo so immensely for his giant developmental strides in the state especially as it concerns Tipper Drivers, adding that the governor's Operation Zero Potholes has indeed ameliorated the sufferings of drivers plying the roads because their Tippers no longer contend with potholes.

Another problematic issue Chukwuebuka Unekwe raised was the issue of touts collecting N5000 from each Tipper conveying sand from another state into Anambra. He alleged that the touts were backed by the Anti-tout squad to ensure compliance to the unreceipted Inter-State cash revenues, he said, the governor may not be aware of.

Unekwe however commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of OCHA BRIGADE for his constant timely response to their calls whenever the need arose as his agency has indeed helped tremendously to prevent touts from exploiting Tipper Drivers with unnecessary multiple taxations.

Also Mr. Francis Orjiakor who is the unit chairman of Abatete Tipper Drivers said they are facing hard times because even if one goes to Asaba and bring sand into Anambra, some persons will confront you at the Head Bridge Onitsha and insist you must pay them N5000 cash as inter-state tax without receipts. That for every trip, they are forced to pay N5000 inter-state levy.

Uga Ifeanyichukwu known as Consider in the Nsugbe unit of Tipper Drivers of Onitsha zone, said oftentimes the Anti-tout squad are being unleashed on them. Uga said sometimes their Tippers would be confiscated for 21 days and they bailed each Tipper with N500,000.

Uga further disclosed that if a driver is arrested by the Anti-tout, the driver will bail himself with the sum of N150,000 and if there is another occupant in the vehicle, he bails himself too with the sum of N100,000 in spite of the fact that they all pay their daily taxes as single Tippers paid N700 while double Tippers paid N1,400 only.

Udenwa Ezekwesili who is the Vice President of Great Tipper Drivers Association Anambra State, said the state government banned sand mining in the state and alternatively Tipper Drivers are going to Asaba to buy sand and after buying the sand, in Anambra State where it is highly prohibited, some revenue officials still stopped them at the Head Bridge Onitsha to collect from N5000 and above as inter-state tax without receipts.

Mr. Henry Chukwuma of the Awka zone Tipper Drivers said the major problem Tipper Drivers are facing currently is the closure of all the beaches in the state which he said is grossly affecting their business. He was of the opinion that if sand miners didn't dredge, Tipper Drivers wouldn't find sand to buy.

Mr. Chukwuma who urged sand miners to abide by the laws of Anambra State especially as it concerns sand mining, noted that all should support state government to enable it provide solutions to the myriad of problems plaguing the state.

Another member of the association who identified himself as Sunday Ogidi noted that they have not been paying inter-state levy but recently the AIRS unleashed the Anti-tout squad on them and other miscreants at the Head Bridge Onitsha to compel them to pay N5000 cash on each trip from Asaba Delta State where they purchased sand.

Ogidi said the governor may not be aware of their predicaments but urged him to intervene and rescue them from unwarranted and unnecessary multiple taxations imposed on them by touts parading as government revenue officials.

Again Sunday Okorie, chairman of Tipper Drivers at Nkwelle-Ezunaka Junction, said the menace of government officials was becoming unbearable for them. He said if they go to buy sand where RCC and other construction companies come to buy, they would be chased away by operatives of government agencies while RCC and others would be allowed to get sand.

Okorie complained that his Tipper was confiscated by agents of government and he paid N200,000 to bail his vehicle and paid N150,000 to set himself free from the captivity of government agents whom he said only unleash terror and mayhem on Tipper Drivers but allow big names like RCC construction company and others to go scot-free after collecting sand from the same location.

According to him, the Anti-tout squad working with revenue agents at the Bridge Head Onitsha insist that Tipper Drivers must pay N5000 on each trip of sand they brought into Anambra from Delta State. That failure to comply with them meant that they would destroy their tyres and their Tippers leaving them stranded.

Chairman of the Promise Land Tipper Drivers at Ogbunike Mr. Theophilus Chukwujekwu Attah who said he has been a Tipper Driver for more than 40 years, noted that they were being victimized by government officials because they patronised sand miners. Attah emphasized that despite the fact that they pay N2,500 IGR without receipts for every trip of sand, yet government still clamped down on their businesses due to closure of the beaches.

Chairman of the 10-tyre unit of the Onitsha branch of Tipper association Mr. Nonso Okeruo, said he is totally against the inter-state tax imposed on Tippers by government officials. He corroborated the fact that for every trip from Asaba into Anambra, Tipper Drivers paid N5000 to government revenue officials at the " Welcome To Anambra" Niger Bridge Onitsha and according to him, no receipts are given, adding that the Anti-tout squad is another malignant force Tipper Drivers have to contend with on daily basis.

He said that the Anti-tout squad seized his Tipper for no clear-cut reason and they compelled him to pay N180,000 before his Tipper would be released to him but after much arguments, he paid N120,000 cash to bail his Tipper from the Anti-tout operatives even though he was not issued receipts for the payment.

The Tipper Drivers however resolved in one accord to embark on " Operation Go and Buy Tapolin" to ensure members covered products on transit properly to avoid littering the environment with such products while on transit.

Another exercise they would commence is " Operation Go Back To Your Unions" to also ensure that members paid their dues and levies to advance their welfare and wellbeing.




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Tipper Drivers Draw Soludo's Attention To Multiple Unreceipted Inter-State Cash Revenue Imposed By AIRS


... Accuse Anti-Tout Of Molestations



BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka



Tipper Drivers have drawn the attention of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to the multiple N5000 unreceipted Inter-State cash revenues imposed on them by the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service(AIRS) at Head Bridge Onitsha.

The N5000 inter-state unreceipted cash collections from Tipper Drivers by AIRS officials at the Bridge Head Onitsha, incessant molestations of Tipper Drivers by the State Anti-Touting Squad, multiple taxations by hoodlums christened government revenue officials, lifting of ban on sand mining, covering of sand on transit and some other pressing issues were the crux of the matter at the enlarged meeting of the Tipper Drivers held at Promise Land Tipper Garage Nkwelle-Ezunaka Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State on Thursday.

The Tipper Drivers bemoaned the fact that the state government had banned them from operations in their various locations across the state due to the activities of sand miners yet still if they go to Asaba in Delta State to obtain sand after necessary documentations and payments, officials of the AIRS still accosted them at the Bridge Head Onitsha only to compel each Tipper Driver to pay N5000 cash on the spot without receipts being issued.

Any attempt to resist paying the N5000 unreceipted cash which the AIRS officials tagged Inter-State Revenue, the Anti-tout squad and other security agents are unleashed on them and their Tippers impounded in spite of the rigors of going to another state to obtain sand following ban on such operations in Anambra State.

Speaking shortly after the meeting, the Tipper Drivers commended the efforts of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra(OCHA BRIGADE) in their efforts to rid the entire state all forms of environmental degradations.

President of the Anambra State Tipper Association prince Nze Augustine Akaigwe said the essence of the meeting was to inaugurate Onitsha zone of the Tipper association in the state. Akaigwe stated that the association has Awka, Omambala and Orumba zones respectively.

Akaigwe who stated that some of the challenges confronting Tipper owners and drivers in the state include closure of sand beaches, appealed that sand miners and government should have an understanding so that the beaches can be opened for Tipper Drivers to resume operations as stoppage of their businesses is grossly affecting their families.

Meanwhile Chairman of the Onitsha zone of Tipper Drivers and member of Board of Trustees of Anambra State Tipper Association, Comrade Chukwuebuka Unekwe, said the meeting was convened not only to inaugurate Onitsha zone but also to thank Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo so immensely for his giant developmental strides in the state especially as it concerns Tipper Drivers, adding that the governor's Operation Zero Potholes has indeed ameliorated the sufferings of drivers plying the roads because their Tippers no longer contend with potholes.

Another problematic issue Chukwuebuka Unekwe raised was the issue of touts collecting N5000 from each Tipper conveying sand from another state into Anambra. He alleged that the touts were backed by the Anti-tout squad to ensure compliance to the unreceipted Inter-State cash revenues, he said, the governor may not be aware of.

Unekwe however commended the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of OCHA BRIGADE for his constant timely response to their calls whenever the need arose as his agency has indeed helped tremendously to prevent touts from exploiting Tipper Drivers with unnecessary multiple taxations.

Also Mr. Francis Orjiakor who is the unit chairman of Abatete Tipper Drivers said they are facing hard times because even if one goes to Asaba and bring sand into Anambra, some persons will confront you at the Head Bridge Onitsha and insist you must pay them N5000 cash as inter-state tax without receipts. That for every trip, they are forced to pay N5000 inter-state levy.

Uga Ifeanyichukwu known as Consider in the Nsugbe unit of Tipper Drivers of Onitsha zone, said oftentimes the Anti-tout squad are being unleashed on them. Uga said sometimes their Tippers would be confiscated for 21 days and they bailed each Tipper with N500,000.

Uga further disclosed that if a driver is arrested by the Anti-tout, the driver will bail himself with the sum of N150,000 and if there is another occupant in the vehicle, he bails himself too with the sum of N100,000 in spite of the fact that they all pay their daily taxes as single Tippers paid N700 while double Tippers paid N1,400 only.

Udenwa Ezekwesili who is the Vice President of Great Tipper Drivers Association Anambra State, said the state government banned sand mining in the state and alternatively Tipper Drivers are going to Asaba to buy sand and after buying the sand, in Anambra State where it is highly prohibited, some revenue officials still stopped them at the Head Bridge Onitsha to collect from N5000 and above as inter-state tax without receipts.

Mr. Henry Chukwuma of the Awka zone Tipper Drivers said the major problem Tipper Drivers are facing currently is the closure of all the beaches in the state which he said is grossly affecting their business. He was of the opinion that if sand miners didn't dredge, Tipper Drivers wouldn't find sand to buy.

Mr. Chukwuma who urged sand miners to abide by the laws of Anambra State especially as it concerns sand mining, noted that all should support state government to enable it provide solutions to the myriad of problems plaguing the state.

Another member of the association who identified himself as Sunday Ogidi noted that they have not been paying inter-state levy but recently the AIRS unleashed the Anti-tout squad on them and other miscreants at the Head Bridge Onitsha to compel them to pay N5000 cash on each trip from Asaba Delta State where they purchased sand.

Ogidi said the governor may not be aware of their predicaments but urged him to intervene and rescue them from unwarranted and unnecessary multiple taxations imposed on them by touts parading as government revenue officials.

Again Sunday Okorie, chairman of Tipper Drivers at Nkwelle-Ezunaka Junction, said the menace of government officials was becoming unbearable for them. He said if they go to buy sand where RCC and other construction companies come to buy, they would be chased away by operatives of government agencies while RCC and others would be allowed to get sand.

Okorie complained that his Tipper was confiscated by agents of government and he paid N200,000 to bail his vehicle and paid N150,000 to set himself free from the captivity of government agents whom he said only unleash terror and mayhem on Tipper Drivers but allow big names like RCC construction company and others to go scot-free after collecting sand from the same location.

According to him, the Anti-tout squad working with revenue agents at the Bridge Head Onitsha insist that Tipper Drivers must pay N5000 on each trip of sand they brought into Anambra from Delta State. That failure to comply with them meant that they would destroy their tyres and their Tippers leaving them stranded.

Chairman of the Promise Land Tipper Drivers at Ogbunike Mr. Theophilus Chukwujekwu Attah who said he has been a Tipper Driver for more than 40 years, noted that they were being victimized by government officials because they patronised sand miners. Attah emphasized that despite the fact that they pay N2,500 IGR without receipts for every trip of sand, yet government still clamped down on their businesses due to closure of the beaches.

Chairman of the 10-tyre unit of the Onitsha branch of Tipper association Mr. Nonso Okeruo, said he is totally against the inter-state tax imposed on Tippers by government officials. He corroborated the fact that for every trip from Asaba into Anambra, Tipper Drivers paid N5000 to government revenue officials at the " Welcome To Anambra" Niger Bridge Onitsha and according to him, no receipts are given, adding that the Anti-tout squad is another malignant force Tipper Drivers have to contend with on daily basis.

He said that the Anti-tout squad seized his Tipper for no clear-cut reason and they compelled him to pay N180,000 before his Tipper would be released to him but after much arguments, he paid N120,000 cash to bail his Tipper from the Anti-tout operatives even though he was not issued receipts for the payment.

The Tipper Drivers however resolved in one accord to embark on " Operation Go and Buy Tapolin" to ensure members covered products on transit properly to avoid littering the environment with such products while on transit.

Another exercise they would commence is " Operation Go Back To Your Unions" to also ensure that members paid their dues and levies to advance their welfare and wellbeing.




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TUBERCULOSIS: NGO SEEKS RELEASE OF BUDGETED FUNDS

A Non-Governmental Organization, Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre, (GPSDC), has solicited prompt release of funds budgeted for government's response to tuberculosis in Anambra State.

The Executive Director of the organization, Eucharia Anekwe, made the call when her team visited the Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Chisom Uchem in her office to solicit support for the Fund TB Project in the area.

Represented by GPSDC's Program Manager, Ogechukwu Ozoemena, Anekwe regretted that despite that tuberculosis has not enjoyed much governmental funding like HIV and malaria in the state, the little amount budgeted for it is not always released.

She appealed to the Executive Secretary and others influential government officials in the health sector to change the narrative around TB treatment in the area.

"We are a cluster of five NGOs implementing the project in South-South and South-East regions, but our organization implements it in Anambra State. Our focus is to improve funding for tuberculosis intervention in Anambra State.

"We are advocating to stakeholders to work together towards increasing domestic TB funding in the state. There was no release for tuberculosis in 2023.

Anekwe also wants the people at the community level to take ownership of tuberculosis campaign in their localities.

"We appeal to everyone in Anambra, when you see anyone showing symptoms of tuberculosis, report promptly to the appropriate quarters so that such a person can be treated immediately.

"We are also specially appealing to the state government to release the budgeted funds for tuberculosis intervention".

Responding, the Executive Secretary, Uchem, welcomed the intervention by the NGO assuring it of necessary support to enable it achieve the goal of the project in the area.

"We have tuberculosis centres across zones and some facilities which report to the zones. We do detection through our community based agents called CHIPS and ensure prompt referral of the sick to the right places for treatment.

"You know because of stigma, some people who are down with TB don't present themselves for treatment. I think that we need to deal with the stigma attached to tuberculosis to encourage people to seek treatment.

"While we assure to continue to do our bid in the area of TB response, the issue of funding should be directed to the ministry of health and that of Economic Planning and Budget," the Executive Secretary advised.

The project aims to enhance and sustainable service delivery through increased domestic investment for Tuberculosis (TB) interventions in five South-East and South-South states of Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, and Imo.

Apart from GPSDC, the intervention which lasts for six months, is anchored by four other NGOs including Policy Alert, Center for Healthworks, Development and Research Initiative (CHEDRES), Concern for Women and Youth Empowerment (COWOYEM), and Initiative for the Prevention and Control of Diseases (IPCD) and supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the Palladium Group.

SEDC: Tinubu has ended aged long Civil war in S East Nigeria - Ohanaeze Youth

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing into law the much anticipated South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill.

Ag. National Youth Leader, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu in a statement on Wednesday said the President, through the move, has finally ended the age long civil war in Southeast.

He recalled that the Nigeria/Biafra Civil war ended on the treaty of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction; and that Federal Government since 1970 abandoned this treaty and failed in her responsibility to implement it. Biafra agitation resurfaced following the federal government's abandonment of the treaty.

He expressed confidence that the Commission would not only heal the region, but further add value to collective efforts to restore peace and stability in Nigeria and Southeast in particular.

He said, "We commend President Tinubu for the boldness and patriotic act of granting accent to Southeast Development Commission Bill.

"I must commend all stakeholders who played critical roles to ensuring this milestone achievement that is long overdue became a reality.

"I thank particularly Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and his colleagues, Southeast Governors led by H.E Sen. Hope Uzodinma, and the National Assembly.

"By granting accent to this Commission, Tinubu has finally ended the age long civil war in Southeast. Recall the war was ended on the treaty of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, but the federal government didn't implement that treaty.

"This is one of basic factors for the reappearance of Biafran agitation which is devastating not just the economy of the zone, but its peace and security security.

"We're hopeful that the 3R treaty, through the Commission shall be attended to, to demonstrate Reconciliation, enhance Rehabilitation and effect Reconstruction.

"We're hopeful this Commission shall go a long way to add value to our collective efforts to resolve peace and stability in Nigeria and Southeast in particular.

"We're also optimistic that the Commission shall assist in healing our nation and Southeast on the basis of equity, justice and fairness. For a people denied justice will not be interested in peace.

"We reaffirm our absolute support and solidarity to the Tinubu-led administration."

The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu alongside other house members from southeast region was sought to establish a commission that would be charged with the responsibility to receive and manage fund from allocation of the federation account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural damage suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the civil war after 54 years.

The commission will as well tackle the ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the Southeast States which include Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi.

Foremost Igbo/ APGA Youth Leader joins APC, Says no Igbo Interest in APGA anymore


In what appears to be a major loss for the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, a popular youth leader in Anambra State, Ambassador Innocent Nduanya on Monday, announced his decampment from APGA.
Nduanya, who is the Deputy National President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, was a political appointee to former Governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano.
It was gathered that Nduanya was among the foot soldiers of APGA under Governor Obiano, who toiled to ensure the election of incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
However, the former appointees were allegedly abandoned by Soludo, despite the earlier promise that they will be retained from the governor.
This had resulted in many of the former appointees decamping from APGA to join other political parties.
Speaking to newsmen in Awka on his defection, Nduanya said it was obvious from events in the recent past, that his contributions were no longer valued in APGA, hence the need to seek other viable platforms to continue to make his contributions to the development of the state.
The youth leader also alleged ill-treatment from the present APGA government, despite all his sacrifices towards the growth of the party.
“As I bid farewell to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), I want to take a moment to reflect on my 13-year journey with the party. I joined APGA in 2009 and proudly held the position of Local Government APGA Youth Secretary.
“I have been a steadfast supporter of the party, backing notable leaders such as His Excellency Peter Obi, Chief Dr Willie Obiano, and currently, Professor Charles Soludo.
“However, despite my unwavering dedication, I have come to realize that my contributions are not truly valued.
“The pain of being overlooked for appointments, despite being nominated twice by His Excellency Chief Dr Willie Obiano, the former Governor of Anambra State and APGA BOT for the position of Transition Committee Chairman Anambra East in 2022 and 2024, has been a bitter pill to swallow.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have come to the painful conclusion that it is time for me to seek a new platform that will enable me to serve my people and community more effectively.
“As a leader, I believe that I have a responsibility to seek out opportunities that will allow me to make a meaningful impact.
“Therefore, I have made the difficult decision to leave APGA and join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This was not an easy choice, but I am convinced that it is the right one. By joining APC, I hope to gain access to the center of power and ensure that my people receive the dividends of democracy they deserve.
“As I depart APGA, I want to state that it's unfortunate that as against the party’s mantra of ‘being your brother’s keeper,’ brother abandons his brother. It is with this thought in mind that I bid farewell to my friends and colleagues in APGA.
“I am excited about this new chapter in my political journey and look forward to working with my new family in APC,” Nduanya said.
The mass exodus from the ruling APGA in the state has remained a source of worry to many of the party stakeholders, but incumbent Governor Soludo has persisted that the party must begin to work differently to achieve greater results.
Soludo had at various fora, insisted that the state cannot afford the massive and sometimes, unmerited political appointments as was seen during the reign of his predecessor, inviting former appointees to identify specific areas of need they will address for the state, for him to offer them appointments.

ASATU Prime Minister Takes Southeast Security Issues To National Assembly


BY RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka


The Deputy Commander-General (technical operations) of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) and Prime Minister of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) Amb. Dr. John Metchie has taken security issues plaguing the Southeast region of Nigeria to the National Assembly.

Metchie who was on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff of the Senate president, Chief Barr. Sylvester Okonkwo, amongst numerous other issues, harped on the need for more concerted efforts as well as proactive measures to stem the tide of insecurity in the Southeast region and the nation at large.

The ASATU Prime Minister who also functions as the President-General of Umueri General Assembly in Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State, opined that the economy of the South-East is being threatened by insecurity resulting to capital flights and due to unstable atmosphere.

Although he commended the National Assembly especially the Senate for legislations intended to foster peaceful coexistence where the security of lives and property would be guaranteed, he also suggested that the formalization and inclusion of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) in the nation's security architecture through presidential assent, would be another veritable alternative to the fight against insecurity in the South-East and the country in general.

Metchie told the Senate president's aide that in Anambra State, government and presidents-general are working round the clock to ensure security of lives and property in the communities.

Meanwhile the Chief of Staff to the Senate president Barr. Sylvester Okonkwo, praised as well as commended Amb.John Metchie for his efforts in supporting and encouraging government policies and programmes for a better Nigeria.


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Southeast Digital Summit targets to Galvanize Stakeholders to Promote Digital Competence Consciousness in the Region

Kenechukwu Ofomah

Awka

As part of strategies to unite Southeast stakeholders to build a tech-powered region, the first Southeast World-class Digital Summit, SE-WCDS, is set to take place in Enugu.
The summit billed to happen on the 1st of August, is expected to convoke individuals, groups, students, governments, and representatives of every sector of the economy, including Health, Education, Agriculture, Tourism, Finance, and Communication, among others, with a view to educating, training, and empowering them with digital tools that will improve their efficiency.
It will feature lectures, breakout sessions, exhibitions, and interactive sessions, designed to birth opportunities for the development of tech solutions that will foster growth across sectors of the region's economy.
Addressing a press conference, the Chief Executive Officer of Michnet Concept International, Engr Mike Nebo, said the summit is to give a quantum leap to the efforts of the governors of the Southeast States towards advancing the cause of technology.
According to him, the idea behind the digital summit is to bring all the players in the Southeast digitization project to a place, to discuss the challenges and proffer solutions.
“As the world evolves through technology, the society is faced with the challenge of embracing technology and this brings to the fore, the need to keep pace with prevailing realities.
“Also, considering the fact that integrating technology can be tough, the program aims to increase the understanding of how the region can take advantage of technology, to improve its competitiveness.
“If you watch what we are doing at MichNet Concept, we are deploying a lot of tech systems for the schools in Anambra. They now have a strong database. In fact, the software we gave them is the same one they are using in the US for results computation, and transfer of teachers, and we are developing another for greater office management. We believe at the end of the day, we can build even robots that will help the region.
“In Enugu, the governor has done smart schools, while in Abia, Imo and Ebonyi, the governors have also integrated tech in budget development, staff recruitment, and workforce.
“So, these governors have done a lot towards digitizing the systems and we in the tech industry, feel we can help and that’s why we envisioned this Summit to bring everyone on board.
“We are looking at how more technologies can be developed to make systems and processes seamless, in line with what the governments are envisioning for their respective states,” he said.
Engr Nebo further that the Summit will be followed by free training that will last for two weeks online.
“We are going to give out laptops and other digital tools, with the support of some companies, to very serious individuals.
“We are engaging tech companies to subsidize the cost of laptops and other digital tools, through flexible financing options.
“Interested participants should visit www.southeastdigitalsummit.com and register for free. Then follow our YouTube channel.
“The summit will also be streamed live across all the states of the Southeast.
“For further inquiries, you can call 07069697730,” he disclosed.
Also speaking, one of the partners on the project and MD/CEO, Global Star Tech Limited, Ambassador Chinedu Obeche noted that with all its potential, the Southeast region has not been able to maximize the prospects that abound with tech.
This he noted, has made visibility and maximum benefits unrealistic.
“The Southeast region is known as the commercial hub of the country. We boast of one of the biggest markets in Africa. But, the platform for e-commerce was not developed in the Southeast. That shows where we are as a region.
“If there is a problem, there is a tech solution.
“What we want to achieve with the Summit is to bring a paradigm shift that tech can assist in getting us where we want to be.
“We want to build our own Silicon Valley.
“Some days ago, we were trying to get traders at Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa, to have a system of invoicing that helps to organize their business transactions but we have met a stiff resistance.
“Eventually, we installed a PoS that helps a marketer have every item in his shop in the system, and at one click, he knows his stock balance and where his money is. That technology alone has changed the way his business is run.
“We are building a tech solution that connects the farmer in the bush with the buyer that offtakes such produce.
“The majority of the problem is that we have the product but no visibility. Hence the need for this kind of summit,” he said.
On her part, a media consultant with Michnet Concepts, Mrs Ify Aronu-Okafor said the time has come for the Southeast to begin to develop digitally collectively.
In her words, “What has divided us so far is the unhealthy competition and bickering. But because now, the outlook is global, the world will not sit and watch Southeast states compete among themselves.
“The Southeast needs to unite through tech to become a strong voice in Nigeria and we commend the Southeast governors for taking ICT very seriously.
“So, this summit is to learn from each other, galvanize and build on what we have to become a tech-power region, to begin to go beyond government and engage the private sector effectively.”

War Against Criminal Activities: Anambra Government Establishes Anti-Touting Squad

By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu


In a bold move to combat criminal activities in Anambra State, Governor Charles Soludo, has established the Special Anambra Anti-Touting Squad (SASA).


Speaking to Newsmen in Awka the Director of SASA, Hon Solomon Chukwuebuka Onwuemene, said the aim for forming the unit was to eliminate various forms of criminal activities such as one-chance robbery, drug abuse, handbag snatching, and illegal extortion of traders across markets in the state, particularly in Onitsha and its environs.

He highlighted the positive impact of the anti-touting squad since its inception, stating that reports of illegal extortion, one-chance robbery, handbag snatching, and other criminal incidents had decreased by fifteen percent in markets across the state.

His words, 'Governor Soludo's administration is determined to restore law and order in Anambra, with a specific focus on Onitsha and its environs. The establishment of the anti-touting squad is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. The squad's primary objective is to ensure zero tolerance for touting in the state and create a pleasurable experience for pedestrians and commercial activities on the streets, roads, and markets.

'Touting has had a detrimental effect on the growth and development of Onitsha, hence the urgent need to eradicate this menace. Governor Soludo aims to revive the traditional values that Anambra was once known for and restore the state's reputation as the Light of the Nation.

'The Soludo administration has also prioritized youth empowerment programs. The ongoing "One Youth, Two Skills Empowerment Programme" has already lifted over five thousand youths from the streets in just two years. This initiative will continue to provide great opportunities for the youth of Anambra,' he said.

The SASA boss assured continuous collaboration with other security agencies to maintain a peaceful environment in the state, even as he urged individuals involved in touting and criminal activities to embrace the state government's empowerment programmes, enabling them to become productive members of society and contribute to their families and communities.

He called on the residents of Anambra State to pray for Governor Soludo as he worked towards his vision of creating a livable and prosperous state.

'With the establishment of the anti-touting squad, Anambra is taking a stand against criminal activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens,' he concluded.

2025: APGA Stalwart Theodore Okonkwo Berates Anambra Politicians Planning to Disrupt Governorship Zoning Arrangement



Ahead of the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election, a two-time Idemili North and South Federal Constituency seat aspirant, Prof Theodore Okonkwo has called on politicians in the state, planning to disrupt the zoning arrangement prevailing in the state, to withdraw.
In his opinion, such ambition does not mean well for the peace and stability of the state.
In an exclusive interview with newsmen in Awka, on the troubling political environment in the state ahead of 2025, Okonkwo said Anambra cannot afford to lose political stability, considering the progress it has made under successive APGA regimes.
It was from the administration of Mr Peter Obi as governor of the state from Anambra Central Senatorial zone, that the unwritten zoning arrangement came into place in the state.
Obi eventually handed over after 8 years, to former governor Willie Obiano from Anambra North, who did 8 years at the state helm, before handing over to incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo from Isuofia Community in Anambra South Senatorial zone.
According to Okonkwo, who is a professor of Environmental Law, Maritime Law, Biodiversity, and Climate Change, Anambra State has been enjoying political peace due to the sacrosanct agreement and arrangement of zoning of the office of the governor of the state.
Frowning at interest in the state’s helmsman job from politicians from other senatorial zones and other political parties, Okonkwo, who is an APGA Stalwart from Oraukwu in Idemili North Council Area, advised them to jettison such ambitions in the interest of the state.
“I am miffed at the disposition of some politicians in the state who want to disrupt the zoning arrangement.
“For clarity's sake, it is the turn of Anambra South and Governor Chukwuma Soludo is there and doing well considering the current economic situation in the state.
“My plea is that those angling from Anambra North, Anambra Central, and Anambra South, to upset the zoning arrangement in the state, should wait until the governor finishes his 8-year tenure before it gets to their turn.
“If they genuinely want the best for Anambra State, then they must recognize what the governor is doing across all sectors of the state economy and rally around him for the overall growth of the state,” Okonkwo said.
The APGA stakeholder encouraged members of the ruling political party in Anambra State, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA to be resolute and ensure the re-election of the governor.
In his view, “APGA has faired the state better and we cannot afford to allow the state to slip away from our hands.”
Speaking on the security situation in Anambra State, Prof Okonkwo stressed the need for the people to understand that the task of securing the state should not be left to the government alone.
He however stressed the need for the state governor to explore partnerships with communities' leadership to entrench security at the grassroots.
Okonkwo said; “We need to come together as Ndi Anambra, irrespective of political parties, to fix the current security situation in the state, because it has become more worrisome.
“Security is not the business of government alone. It starts with you and I. If you see something, say something.
“Our people should key into the existing security initiatives of the government and security agencies.
“I appeal to the governor to redouble efforts to address the challenge of insecurity and this he can do, through collaboration and partnership with all the traditional rulers and town unions across Anambra State.”
On the issue of local government election, the legal luminary described the recent supreme court judgement granting full autonomy to the Local Governments as sound, strengthening and reinforcing constitutional democracy.
He expressed confidence that in Anambra, Governor Chukwuma Soludo will have no problems implementing the judgement, as a true believer in the rule of law.
“I know Mr Governor and how he strongly believes in the rule of law.
“During his electioneering campaigns, he promised that he will conduct local government elections.
“The governor has gone ahead to sign the Anambra State Electoral Law, 2024, which signposts his commitment to repositioning the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, for the conduct of the Local Government Polls.
“So, conducting the election is just a matter of time for him.
“With his achievements as governor of the state, I know that if such elections come up in Anambra, APGA will definitely carry the day.
“On that note, I also want to call on all governors of the Federation to conduct Local Government Elections,” Okonkwo demanded.

SSANU, NASU UNIZIK Chapter Protest Backlog Of Earned Allowances, Withheld Salaries, Ask FG To Revisit 2009 Agreement


By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) last Tuesday, 9th July 2024 called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to as a matter of necessity revisit the 2009 FG/NASU/SSANU agreement and attend to other unresolved issues raised by the Unions.

The Unions made their feelings known during a protest march led by their leaders at the Awka Campus of the institution, disclosing unresolved issues such as “Unpaid four months Arrears of Salaries”, “Backlog of Earned Allowances of Members” and “Review of the 2009 FG/SSANU/NASU Agreement.”

Addressing journalists shortly during the peaceful protest, SSANU UNIZIK Chairperson, Comrade Njideka Nwangwu informed that the protest march by both unions was to press home their demands and tell the Federal Government that the Nigerian workers were no longer happy over the current state of their withheld salaries of the lawful industrial action they embarked upon in 2022 despite the nod for the payment of the arrears.

The SSANU Chairperson highlighted other issues such as Renegotiation of the 2009 FG/SSANU/NASU agreement, improvement of the working conditions of Nigerian workers via approval of the request of N250,000 minimum wage and tackling of insecurity in the land.

'The protest today is to take our request to the Federal Government and tell FG that Nigerian workers are no longer happy over our withheld salaries of the strike we embarked on in 2022 despite approvals for the payment in 2023.

'We also want to highlight other issues such as renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with Federal Government which is long overdue and we call on FG to do the needful. Our request of N250,000 minimum wage should be handled urgently to address the current economic realities while we also call on FG to ensure the payment of our Earned Allowances,' Nwangwu said.

The Union members in the course of the protest march displayed placards with inscriptions such as: “FG review the 2009 FG/SSANU/NASU agreement”, “FG Stop Treating us Unjustly”, “FG pay us N250,000 Minimum Wage”, “Reduce the High Electricity Tariff the Masses are Suffering” and “FG don’t set Universities on Fire.

For his part, Comrade Chigozie Ikegulu, NASU UNIZIK Chairperson, noted that both unions had explicitly spelt out their requests on Monday during had a sensitization meeting with their members about the protest with a rally scheduled for 18th July 2024 in Abuja if FG failed to yield to the Union’s demands.

'Our requests are well spelt out as we had before now held a meeting with our members to sensitize them about the protest and we hope that the Federal Government will address our demands urgently to avert the looming industrial action. The Union at the national level will also have a rally holding on 18th of July 2024 in Abuja after which we will await further directives that will be thoroughly complied with towards our demands,' Ikegulu said.

Comrade Ikegulu also stated that non-teaching staff members are the backbone of universities in administration, right from the point of admission to graduation of the students and play a very significant role in University administrative processes. The Union leader called on the government to address their requests to enhance smooth administrative activities in the institution.

*Peter University admits new students*

* _New Mass Communication dept to reap benefit of new tech_

By Chuka Nnabuife


ADMISSION of students for 2024/2025 academic session is ongoing in Peter University, Achina/Onneh, Anambra State.

Twenty-four (24) Bachelor of Science (BSc) courses and a LLB Law degree are available for full-time study in the Catholic university with state-of-the-art facilities and 24-hour Internet service.

The courses, all approved by the Nigerian Universities Commission are available in four faculties, namely: Faculty of Science and Computing; Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences; Faculty of Medical Sciences and Faculty of Law.

The school with en-suite hostel accommodations serves such courses as BSc studies in Industrial Chemistry; Biotechnology; Microbiology; Biochemistry; Forensic Science; Computer Science; Information Systems; Software Engineering; Information Technology; Cyber Security; Physics & Electronics and Mathematics & Statistics in Faculty of Science and Computing.

In the Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences new students are invited for BSc studies in Accounting; Business Administration; Criminology and Security Studies; Economics; Mass Communication; International Relations and Diplomacy; Political Science and Peace & Conflict Resolution.

There are two BSc courses in Faculty of Medical Sciences. They are in Nursing Science and in Public Health.

All the courses are for full-time study. Admission requirement is "Minimum JAMB cut off mark and credit pass on at least, five (5) subjects (including English and Mathematics) at SSCE/GCE/NECO in not more than two sittings."

Applicants may visit www.puni.edu.ng/courses for detail on list of courses and visit www.puni.edu.ng/admissions to apply for admission.

The university can be contacted through info@puni.edu.ng or through the telephone lines 08121202221 and 09036787000.

Peter University recently recorded the feat of being the first Nigerian tertiary school, private or public-owned to complete its own fiber optic cable for Internet access with a 35-metre mast. The fibre optics cables were laid around the entire school with 10 terminations, to serve users from the base station at Ekwulobia.

The new technology will equally serve the institution’s broadcast station when it becomes operational. The university is equally deploying current Learning Management Systems (LMS) to enable students and scholars who wants to access its lectures from any part of the world do so with ease and in very new technology.

Content creation, prank, or internet abuse?

By Ejike Anyaduba

The internet is perhaps one of the worst abused inventions by man. Some netizens who live on its extremities, against the dictates of good conduct, take liberties with the global computer network to invade and abuse targets at will. Matters, considered “hallowed” and muted in conversation offline, get trivialized on the net. The risk of libel, obviated by identity question, makes discretion by these users a matter of choice rather than an obligation.

But the internet is far too important to be used for trifling fancy where everyone speaks, writes or acts in a vague or trivial manner. It is intended for learning, ease of doing business, entertainment and for unrestrained access to information. It is an innovative and user-friendly network, but can groan when abused to purpose. The internet has brought development closer to man and shrunk the global space into a village.

Before its advent on January 1, 1983, access to information was quite challenging. Though a disruptive technology with obvious drawbacks, especially in being hacked, cyber-attacked and inflicting on users Internet Addiction Disorder (the latter easily isolates users into their own filter bubbles and echo chambers), yet the internet has successfully swept away old systems and habits, replacing them with effortless communication and endless education.

Unfortunately, a tribe of deviant users, sworn to abuse, has swarmed the global communication network and seized it to unhealthy advantage. Overwhelmed by the desire to be monetized on Facebook or to achieve celebrity status or both, they have consistently exposed unsuspecting users to obscene videos on the net. Often on preset mode, these videos automatically switch on at the touch of a button. It does not stop at this, they go as far as invading, with repulsive pertinacity, the privacy of others by highlighting, tagging and private-chatting unwilling users.

[b]I once stumbled on a video by one of such internet trollers who was barely dressed in a frilly underwear, energetically advertising a sexually explicit trade. I flipped through and shrugged her off as vacuous. But I chanced upon her again in another video not long after while surfing the net. She was more audacious this time. Bell in hand, and with no want of shame, she reeled off her telephone number, urging potential customers to hurry up for an intimacy with her. She claimed a dalliance with her is the solution to all the spiritual problems afflicting many. In yet another video she was seen threatening and cursing a select audience. She was angry. Her music video was not enjoying as much patronage as the one for which she has become notorious. She accused her audience of wickedness and singled out the Igbo – a group she claimed undoubted descent - for reprimand. She alleged they deliberately ignored her music videos while sharing the lewd ones. So far nothing has yet changed to suggest she learnt any lesson from the subtle action of her audience. [/b]

She is not alone in the salacious trade. There is another abuser of the internet, more vulgar and loutish perhaps. She is simple-minded, brassy, and has little of a tinker’s cuss in chasing “content creation”. In a recent video, she was seen walking around a market with a placard, boldly urging women not to refuse intimacy with men and to do so with all contentment. As she ambled along the market apparently in search of a mate herself, bystanders were seen shuddering with dismay. Unperturbed, she kept displaying the disgusting placard with affected glee. However, a quick check on her page shows she has been long in the business of making obscene videos. If she were not vulgarizing sex, she was eroticizing it. She once accused a popular Nollywood actor of having taken advantage of her and abandoned her soon after she became pregnant. She thrives on vulgarity.

The list of abusers of the internet is endless. There are also adepts in highlighting offensive videos for a target audience. This line of abusers is so obsessed with how to increase traffic to their page that they deploy every conceivable weapon to cyberbully other users. There are those who concoct lies to malign real and imagined enemies. Many have had to contend with image problem as a result of willful defamation. A particular restaurant in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, was once alleged to be serving python meat. Before the mischievous imp was intercepted by the law enforcement agents to disclaim the allegation a lot of damage has been done to the image of the eatery. A lot more have continued in that line of pranking or content creation business to the detriment of innocent victims. Many a politician has been defamed and put through the wringer by content chasers and paid agents. Election season often provides these cheeky denizens of the internet the rope with which to hang opposition candidates. Sadly, many have suffered this fate, but only very few have had the courage to fight the monster and exacted justice.

Not long ago, in another display of presumptuousness, another clout chaser nearly almost dragged the names of managers of real estate firms in Awka through the muds. She claimed to have slept with every one of them in the course of doing business. Without a thought for her reputation as a comedienne she told the barefaced lie in a wildly circulated podcast. But she didn’t get lucky with her lies. She was hunted down by the maligned estate managers and put through the mill. She cracked under the weight, recanted and tendered unreserved apology.

There are a lot more out there who do worse things on the net. They presume upon the inaction of the victims and the privacy of the internet to expand the frontiers of abuse. It is a fact that catfishing, another criminal abuse on the net, has put many families into disarray. Compared to the nuisance caused by obscenity and defamation, the damage is tellingly stark. People have been lured to death through catfishing. Many more have lost precious possessions via the same process.

No doubt, the internet is under attack and may remain so if its abusers are not sufficiently restrained. The rate of abuse appears to increase by the day and will require a lot of effort from both users and regulators to keep it inviolate. This is particularly so because no one will be spared the corrosive effect when the abuse gets to a tipping point. It will surely visit on society enormous damage.

Ejike Anyaduba

Abatete

Digital Training: ASLGSC Denies Diversion Of Soludo's N16.8m As LG Workers Describe Viral Social Media Publication As Fake, Malicious Targeted At Denting Commission's Chairman's Image


By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu


Local Government Workers across the 21 Council Areas in Anambra State, last Sunday, dismissed as an untrue, falsehood and unfounded reports making the round that ₦16,800,000 largesse provided by governor Chukwuma Soludo was either mismanaged or diverted.

A viral social media report attributed to one Ekene Okoye had claimed that the ₦20,000 governor Chukwuma Soludo doled out to 40 workers per local government area as transport fare at opening ceremony of Anambra State Local Government Commission Service (ASLGSC) week held last Tuesday June 25, 2024, was diverted by the Commission's Chairman, Barr. Vincent Ifeanyi Ezeaka.

But the workers, however, dismissed the report as fake, malicious and unfounded publication, noting that all those in attendance to the programme duly received their shares of the largesse as pronounced by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

Speaking through the Chairman, Publicity Subcommittee of the 2024 LG Commission Service week, Comrade Nnamdi Nweke, the commission further hailed the governor for granting approval and providing all the relevant supports that led to the successful event.

Nweke, who wondered why the author could delve into the unethical practices and urged the media to always verify their information for balancing and objectivity to avoid misinforming the public or damaging people reputation.

He described the viral report as spurious and odious misinformation from mischief makers and enemies of the commission targeted at maligning the hard earned reputation of their hardworking Chairman, Ezeaka.

Also speaking, the Deputy Director/Public Relations Officer, Local Government Service Commission, Comrade Agu Chidi, added that the author of the report had a. Ulterior motives of rubbishing the monumental achievements of the Commission in the implementation of the Governor's Local Government reforms, and Zero tolerance to corruption.

"Barrister Vin Ezeaka, the Commission's Chairmen, had shown an uncommon dedication and exemplary commitment in pursuit of the lofty ideals of the Governor in the transformation of the local government system, a development which has won the commission national laurels.

"For the sake of clarity, Barrister Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka never disbursed any money, but ordered that the attendees transport fares be shared to all the local Government workers at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, as directed by Mr Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo. The instruction was carried out with official dispatch in the presence of some Labour Leaders.

"All those who attended the ceremony have been paid, contrary to the erroneous and devious impression created by the enemies of the state. They all collected the ₦20,000 transport allowance as directed by the Governor and the lunch package provided by the Commission. It is therefore only in the weird imagination of mischief makers that the money was not appropriately shared," he added.

According to him, the just concluded Local Government Service Commission week was hugely successful and this has become the source of envy for those who, in their mischief, chose to paint the Commission in lurid colors to achieve less than noble intentions.

"We consider this rather absurd and surprising that some uninformed, disgruntled elements would go to the extent of making such baseless allegations against the person of Barrister Vin Ifeanyi Ezeaka whose pedigree as an incorruptible personality and impeccable record of zero tolerance for corruption have remained shining beacons of progress for everyone to behold.

"The Commission wishes to state, unequivocally, that no amount of vile propaganda by mischievous elements will distract it from the mission of leaving behind a legacy of service in the local government service in line with Mr Governor's mandate. We, therefore, warn all those who circulate such false information to retrace their steps and support genuine efforts at transformation of the Local Government system."